I sometimes feel guilty when I travel to exotic places under the guise of a touring musician. Something about enjoying what you do, and living life in a constant vacation feels…so right. I’ve always said that music is my passport to travel the world, and that sentiment holds very true in my current west coast tour.

Prior to the picture above me, which was by far my favorite, I had played two fantastic Oregon venues (Edgefield Winery and Grand Lodge garage door) to packed rooms. It’s humbling to know that I travel from the east coast to the west, play for a packed room, and some people in the audiences are singing back the lyrics to my ORIGINAL songs. The crowds here have been so warm and refreshingly generous. I brought enough merchandize to last for 10 shows, but I sold out at show number 4.

The picture above is of me with a lovely father and daughter combo whom I had met about a year prior. Apparently they had enjoyed themselves soooo much at that show that they came back for seconds, and this time bearing gifts. Yes, the made me a painting of b-boys, cos b-boys are cool and they think I’m cool. Even though I give my all and more at the shows, I feel like I’ve been getting back way more than I could ever put in at these west coast shows, and it’s instances like this that confirm that feeling.

This kid Daniel jumped on stage and wowed the crowd after his family told me he sang and played guitar at the Edgefield show. I had to get him off the stage quickly before he stole my thunder and tip jar. He had me on Edge 😉

This is mr Mike Jones, who has the coolest rapper name, and looks like santa claus. He told me dirty and bordeline racist jokes all night after the show at Leavenworth…it was worth it 😉

This is the family I lodged with (missing one very special person in this pic) while in Ellensburg. I consider them family. The black guy is me, the dog is Banjo (cool dude that drinks from toilet bowls), and the white guy is Oliver (who almost embarrassed me in basketball, but luckily I know how to cheat).

I’m off to Conway WA for a show tonight at The Conway Muse. So the adventure continues…

Okay I won’t go as far as to call myself a ROCKSTAR, but I figured it would better help me convey my message. I will however go as far as to label myself an introvert, which makes my career choices a little puzzling.

See I’m the lead guy for my band/brand Nelly’s Echo, but I could also be found guilty of occasionally being physical therapist. I picked two occupations that demand that I engage with my audience/patient.

From my limited understanding of the definition of an introvert, it summarizes as one who gets their “batteries” recharged from moments of quiet and solitude. It is not to be mistaken for being shy or reserved, as that suggests actively avoiding social situations. I actually don’t mind stimulating social situations, however I tend to crave the moments of quiet reflection afterwards. For example, one of my favorite things to do after a long show, is to take the longer route home with the music off, windows down and just my thoughts for company. That’s probably why long drives between shows don’t bother me, as they afford me time to reflect.

I will confess however that I’ve had to work on my skill of engaging my audiences and my patients. For an introvert, when given the option of to engage or not to engage, there is a natural tendency to not engage. I’ve had to fight that tendency over the years, and now it’s more 2nd nature.
It has helped me become a better musician, therapist and person. I guess “success is truly just outside your comfort zone.”

Well that’s a little slice of the man, the myth, the legend. I am a man! The myth is that I crave being the life of the party. The legend is that I’m the worlds greatest introvert ROCKSTAR (Imagine me saying that at the top of my voice, on the mountain top, with my guitar held high). The reality is that ROCKSTARS aren’t born, they are made!